Babirusas, also called deer-pigs (), are a genus, Babyrousa, in the swine family found in the Indonesian islands of Sulawesi, Togian, Sula and Buru. Previously all members of this genus were considered part of a single species, B. babyrussa, but in 2002 they were split into several species. The Buru babirusa is now restricted to animals from Buru and Sula, whereas the best-known species, the North Sulawesi babirusa, is named B. celebensis. The males have prominent upwards incurving canine tusks, which pierce the flesh in the snout.
All species of babirusa are listed as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
All members of the genus were considered part of a single species, the babirusa or pig-deer, B. babyrussa. After they were split into several species, this scientific name is restricted to the Buru babirusa from Buru and the Sula Islands, whereas the best-known species, the north Sulawesi babirusa, is named B. celebensis. The lower canines also grow upwards. The canines of females are either reduced or absent.
Babirusas also vary by species in other characteristics. The golden babirusa has a long, thick pelage that is white, creamy gold, black or gold overall, and black at the rump.
Biology and ecology
thumb|Two babirusas fighting in Indonesia
thumb|[[North Sulawesi babirusa skeleton (Museum of Osteology)]]
Babirusas are native to Sulawesi, some of the Togian Islands, the Sula Islands, and Buru. The preferred habitat of babirusa is tropical rainforest along river banks. The stomach diverticulum of a babirusa is enlarged which may indicate that it is a ruminant but evidence shows otherwise. Groups of females and young may number up to 84 individuals, most of which contain no adult males. Males rarely travel in pairs or trios. The tusks of the adult males are used in intraspecific fighting. The upper tusks are for defense while the lower tusks are offensive weapons. If a male babirusa does not grind his tusks (achievable through regular activity), they can eventually keep growing and, rarely, penetrate the individual's skull.<!-- at which time, does it kill them? -->
Female babirusa cycle lengths are between 28 and 42 days and estrus last 2–3 days.
The Balinese Hindu-era Court of Justice pavilion and the "floating pavilion" of Klungkung palace ruins are notable for painted babirusa raksasa (grotesques) on the ceilings.
The babirusa has sparked debate among Jewish scholars and animal researchers about whether it is considered kosher, or permissible to be consumed by Jews, according to Jewish dietary laws. The debate centers around whether the animal chews its cud, which is a requirement according to the Old Testament for an animal to be considered kosher. Some experts, like J. David Bleich, a professor of Jewish law and ethics at Yeshiva University, believe that the babirusa does not meet the physical criteria to be considered kosher, challenging the assertion that the babirusa chews its cud by citing a report from 1940 that found that true rumination could not take place in the animal's stomach. However, he also notes that Jews can eat any food that is not expressly forbidden and that "the babirusa's resemblance to a pig in appearance and taste is not sufficient grounds for banning its consumption as kosher meat." Others, such as Fuller Bazer, an animal science professor at the University of Florida, believe that the animal is kosher due to its cloven hoof and cud chewing. Additionally, it has been noted that the babirusa is an endangered species and that most Muslims, who face similar dietary restrictions, would avoid eating the meat of any animal whose status in religious law is uncertain.
Conservation status
Babirusas are protected in Indonesia and killing them is illegal in most cases. However, poaching remains a significant threat to the babirusa. Additionally, commercial logging operations threaten the babirusa by habitat loss, and also reduce cover, making the babirusa more exposed to poachers.